Severikirche, Erfurt 
View of the Severikirche next to the cathedral in Efurt.
Distinctive east towers of the Severikirche.
Exterior detail of the choir.
Nave looking east.
The Tomb of St. Severus, c.1365.
Adoration of the Magi on the Tomb of St. Severus.
Effigy on the lid of the Tomb of St. Severus.
Alabaster relief of St. Michael the Archangel.
The grand canopy of the baptismal font under restoration.
A Gothic hall church located next door to Erfurt Cathedral, the Severikirche (Church of St. Severus) in Erfurt is best known for its huge baptismal font and monument to St. Severus.
History
In 836, the relics of St. Severus of Ravenna were brought by the Archbishop of Mainz to Germany, first to Mainz and later to Erfurt. The relics were housed in a monastery that stood on the site of the present Severikirche.
The Severikirche has Romanesque origins, having been built (or more likely, rebuilt) in 1148 as a collegiate church. It was a three-aisled basilica with two transepts and two choirs.
Construction on the present building began in the 1270s in the early Gothic style. It was consecrated in 1308, by which time the east end would have been mostly completed. The nave was finished in 1327 and the vaults were added around 1370-80. The famous sarcophagus to hold the relics of St. Severus was installed around 1365.
A major fire in June 1472 caused damage to the church and destroyed most of the furnishings. The vault was replaced in 1472-73 and the east towers were rebuilt and given their present spires in 1495.
What to See
Severikirche's distinctive triple-towered east end makes an interesting contrast with its cathedral neighbor when viewed from the Domplatz. The two churches are joined by a 70-step monument staircase.
Inside, St. Severus is a five-aisled hall church with a lofty atmosphere despite its relatively small size.
The most important furnishing in Severikirche is the monument tomb of St. Severus, carved out of a soft pink sandstone around 1365 by an artist known only as "the Master of St. Severus." It can be seen at the back of the nave. The same master made the statue of the saint over the entrance portal.
Also notable is the font (1467) with a spectacular 15-meter-high canopy that almost reaches the ceiling and an alabaster relief of St. Michael (also 1467) on the south wall. The Gothic altars are also worth a look.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Severikirche; Church of St. Severus |
| Dedicated to: | St. Severus |
| Location: | Erfurt, Thuringia, Germany |
| Category: | Churches |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Catholic |
| Status: | active |
| Date: | c.1270-1327 |
| Architecture: | Gothic |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 50.976062° N, 11.022516° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | Domplatz, Erfurt, Germany |
| Phone: | 0361/576960 |
| Hours: | May-Oct: Mon-Fri 9am-12:30pm, 1:30- 5pm Nov-Dec, Mar-Apr: Mon-Fri 10am-12:30pm and 1:30-4pm Closed Jan and most of Feb. |
| Cost: | Free |
| Photography: | Permitted |
Travel Resources
- Erfurt Map - our detailed interactive map of Erfurt, plus hand-picked links to more
- Erfurt Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Erfurt Hostels - reserve budget lodgings with no booking fees
- Erfurt Car Rentals - get the lowest rate by comparing multiple car companies at a glance
- Erfurt Restaurant Reviews - the best places to eat in town
- Erfurt Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Erfurt tourism
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of Severikirche. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Erfurt Map.
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Personal visit (March 13, 2008).
- Erfurt Attractions - Frommer's Germany
- Severikirche (Erfurt) - German Wikipedia
Article last updated: 10/15/2009.
